"After a tough loss you are always wary of how the boys are going to go but they have now given themselves a chance by getting back into this tournament."

Italy must pull off a huge upset over the other team in their group - Pacific powerhouses Fiji - in their final pool clash in Canberra on Friday night to give themselves a chance of clinching a maiden quarter-final berth at just their second World Cup.

Only one team from their three-team group advance.

Azzurri captain Mark Minichiello looked forward to what a united Italy could achieve after overcoming the Cairns controversy.

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"No doubt it was pretty disappointing what happened last week (off the field) but we have moved past that and we are a united group," he said.

Italy were again behind the eight ball before kickoff on Sunday when veteran pivot Terry Campese failed to overcome a calf complaint.

It ensured NSW fullback Tedesco slotted into five-eighth for the Azzurri alongside new halfback Ryan Ghietti with Mason Cerruto the new No.1.